A lack of competition from across the garage could risk Lewis Hamilton’s status as a true Formula 1 great, it’s been suggested.
Over the past month, the Briton has caught and surpassed Michael Schumacher for the most wins in history, currently on 93, and could equal the German as a seven-time world champion as soon as the Turkish Grand Prix next weekend
Since 2014, however, when the introduction of hybrid engines saw Mercedes become the dominant force in F1, Hamilton has won 71 times compared to just 29 for his respective teammates.
And that, in the view of former F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone, highlights a need for a stronger driver alongside him.
“Lewis deserved it. He has always beaten his teammates, except for 2016 (and 2011). He makes almost no mistakes,” Ecclestone told Germany’s Sport1 of his achievements.
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“But I compare him to a poker player who knows he has four aces in his hand. You can play poker while the others sweat.
“I would like to see him on a team with a Max Verstappen, then the question is whether he would then make as few mistakes as possible?”
1996 world champion Damon Hill agrees that for all Hamilton has done in F1, history might not judge him in the same way as it does for others.
“There is a risk that Lewis’ achievements will be measured against the intensity of his competition,” he told the PA news agency last weekend.
“He had to fight hard against Nico Rosberg but he pretty much had the upper hand on him most of the time. Valtteri [Bottas] is doing a solid job but he cannot keep up with Lewis during the races.
“Mercedes have totally dominated this era and Lewis is not being challenged.
“He demolishes everyone but we are missing the chance to see the best of him because if he had to fight hard, that is when you see the great drivers shine. You cannot keep saying look at the king’s lovely new coat over and over again.”